A credit card with good 'perks'? And a few other questions from a novice....

jane22

For the amount I have availble to spend, I don't feel that the cashback offers are something I'm particularly going to profit from. I always pay off my card so am not looking for balance transfers or anything as I know I'd mess it up one day and regret ever trying it on!

I'm therefore looking for a good basic credit card with good benefits - like travel insurance, purchase protection, and so on. I understand that credit cards sometimes offer insurance on purchases - is this standard across all credit cards (ie is it mandatory?) or is there a lot to choose between different providers.

I currently have an RBS credit card linked to my student account with them, would it have insurance?

I am quite attracted to the idea of Amex (blue card) but am concerned about it not being widely accepted. Never having had one, I really have no idea how likely it is that places wouldn't take it. I shop online quite a bit, especially using ebay (paypal) - does anyone know if you can use Amex via paypal or at most online retailers? How about on the high street - is it possible to use the card at most supermarkets and shops? Any notable exceptions?

Lastly it's important to me that I can bank online.

I'd be just as glad to hear what I should NOT get as what I should.

Thanks.

macca64

There is a thread on this credit card board about where AMEX is/is not accepted which should help you.

Hermia

I have just cancelled my Amex blue card as I found it totally useless. Half of the internet shops I use would not accept it. Big retailers were usually okay, but most of the smaller online shops wouldn't. I also donate money to charity on the internet and none of the charity sites would take it. I also found high street shops that didn't accept it. In the end I just found it too much hassle. I want to go into a shop and buy stuff without worrying whether the card will be accepted or not!

I also found their customer service was decidely average in quality.

Rafter

Jane,

Suggest you have a look at a nationwide card.

Only pays a small amount of cashback, but does have insurance, extended warranty benefits and is definately the best card for use overseas too.

Good reputation and online servicing too.

R.

nibelung

You'll have no trouble with Amex with the large stores but most small online retailers don't accept it. The big ones do - Amazon, cdwow, etc. The main benefit of the Amex card is its cashback.

I'd recommend Nationwide's card - you get benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty, and you also get commission-free use on purchases abroad (including internet orders). It has no fee, minimum spend and it's VISA.